What’s In Italian Seasoning—and How Do You Make It At Home?
Why buy Italian seasoning when you can make it in minutes?
Anneliese Gruenwald-Maerkl/Getty Images
Italian seasoning is one of the most versatile spice blends because it has the perfect balance of savory, floral, and aromatic notes. But here’s the thing about Italian seasoning: When you make it at home, not only is it more cost-efficient, but you can also customize it based on your flavor preferences. Want to add an extra kick? Crushed red pepper flakes are perfect for some heat. Looking to add some more depth of flavor? A dash or garlic or onion powder will do just the trick.
There’s a good chance you have everything you need in your spice cabinet to make your own Italian seasoning, so what are you waiting for? Use the recipe below to make it at home, and start using it in countless chicken, beef and fish recipes.
Related: The Ultimate Guide to Herb and Spice Substitutions
What’s In Italian Seasoning?
The most common herbs found in Italian seasoning are basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that this seasoning starts with basil since it’s used in countless Italian classics, adding a bright and fresh essence to any type of dish.
As for the other ingredients, oregano and marjoram have a very similar flavor—they’re both earthy, a tad bitter, and slightly spicy. Thyme provides a lighter floral flavor that balances out the other more pungent herbs, and rosemary complements thyme since it also has earthy notes but features a more peppery aftertaste.
Italian Seasoning Recipe
Once you make this Italian seasoning, you’ll never buy a bottle at the grocery store again. This homemade Italian seasoning will stay fresh in an airtight food storage container for at least a year.
Related: 6 Ways You Can Use Your Expired Spices
Ingredients:
1 Tbsp dried basil
1 Tbsp dried oregano
1 Tbsp dried marjoram
1 Tbsp dried thyme
1 Tbsp dried rosemary
2 Tbsp oregano
Instructions:
Mix the dried basil, dried oregano, dried marjoram, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and oregano in a bowl until well combined. Store in an airtight container for up to a year.
Ways to Use Italian Seasoning
Some of the most classic (and delicious) Italian dishes include this seasoning because it helps bring out flavor in more mild ingredients. And while Italian seasoning is often found in popular Italian recipes like meatballs, pizza sauce, garlic bread, and lasagna, it can be used in more dishes than you might think.
Related: 5 Simple Steps to Extend the Shelf Life of Your Fresh Herbs
You can sprinkle some on a delicate piece of white fish, like cod or fluke, simply bake it in the oven, and garnish with lemon. You can also include it in your favorite chicken soup to enhance the flavor of the broth. A generous dash of Italian seasoning is also great on roasted vegetables, grilled chicken or a pasta bake.
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